The 50th International Eucharistic Congress is being held in Dublin, 10th - 17th June, 2012.

www.iec2012.ie

A Eucharistic Congress is an international gathering of people which aims to

• promote an awareness of the central place of the Eucharist in the life and mission of the Catholic Church,
• to help improve our understanding and celebration of the liturgy and
• to draw attention to the social dimension of the Eucharist.

The Congress normally takes place every four years. The daily celebration of the Eucharist is at the very heart of the Congress. The wider programme of the Congress includes other liturgical events, cultural events, catechesis and testimonies, and workshops during the week of the Congress. Information about the events can be found on the official Congress Website

www.iec2012.ie

The most recent Congress was held in Quebec in 2008 and was a source of encouragement and renewal for the many thousands who took part.

Most people in Ireland are familiar with the fact that a Eucharistic Congress was held in Ireland in 1932. Our parents and grand-parents speak of it as a significant event in their own experience of Church. Since we started preparing for the Congress, people from all over Ireland and even further afield have sent us a wide range of memorabilia relating to the 1932 Congress, some of which will be on display at a special exhibition in 2012.

The Congress Logo

The Congress Logo which is on top of this page, entitled People in Communion, was designed on behalf of the Congress Committee by Martin Barlow of Portadown, Co. Armagh. The design concept is based on the idea of people 'from every nation, race, tribe and language' (Rev.7:9) being drawn together in Communion as 'One Body' formed by faith in the person of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, and the sacrifice he made upon the cross.

Volunteers

There are opportunities for people to volunteer to help during the Congress. Between two and three thousand volunteers are needed to help put all the pieces of the congress together. If you would like to volunteer you could get more details on the official website.

Prayer for the Congress

Lord Jesus, You were sent by the Father
to gather together those who are scattered.
You came among us, doing good and bringing healing,
announcing the Word of salvation
and giving the Bread which lasts forever.
Be our companion on life’s pilgrim way.

May your Holy Spirit inflame our hearts,
enliven our hope and open our minds,
so that together with our sisters and brothers in faith
we may recognise you in the Scriptures
and in the breaking of bread.
May your Holy Spirit transform us into one body
and lead us to walk humbly on the earth,
in justice and love,
as witnesses of your resurrection.

In communion with Mary,
whom you gave to us as our Mother
at the foot of the cross,
through you
may all praise, honour and blessing be to the Father
in the Holy Spirit and in the Church,
Now and forever.
Amen

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